Eco 1 Plumbing Blog

Follow This Checklist for the Smoothest, Most Cost-Effective Bathroom Remodel Ever

So, you’ve been dreaming of remodeling your bathroom and you’re finally ready to pull the trigger. You’ve got a vision in your mind for what you want and you have the money set aside to pay for it.

You might think you’ve got everything under control, but – not so fast! A poorly planned remodeling project can quickly go sideways, and a botched bathroom remodel can cost you big time.

Before you even think about getting started, read through this guide. By the time you’re done, you’ll know exactly how to remodel a bathroom – the right way.

How to Remodel a Bathroom? Start With the Right Questions

The first step to a successful bathroom remodel is taking the time to think it through. Before you begin, it’s important to ask yourself the following four critical questions.

1. What do you want to change about the current space?

Start by assessing why you want to remodel the bathroom in the first place. This will help ensure that your new design takes care of all the old problems. The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of time and money, only to find that you’re not as happy with your new space as you should be.

2. How much storage do you need?

Many people fail to think about storage needs in the bathroom, but it’s important. You’ll want plenty of space for things like towels, toilet paper, and hair care accessories. Having plenty of storage space can also help you keep potentially embarrassing personal items out of sight.

Storage space is very easy to incorporate into a remodel design, and incredibly difficult to add in after it’s done. So, do yourself a favor and add a bit more than you think you’ll need.

3. What’s your daily routine?

Stop and think through how you use your bathroom every day. Do you enjoy lounging in the tub? Would you like ambient lighting and music in the shower?

Do you need extra counter space for your hair care products and makeup? How about a chair to make it more comfortable?

The answers to these questions will help you design a space that’s both efficient and incredibly enjoyable to use.

4. How many people will be using the bathroom?

Do you need double sinks and mirrors or just one? If several people will be using the bathroom (like in a kid’s bathroom) you may need extra counter space.

While you may not want to spend a ton of time worrying about your relationship status while you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you will want to think about the future. If you’re single but may not be forever, it might be a good idea to opt for a two-person bathroom anyway. This way, you won’t be looking at another bathroom remodel in the future.

Reconfirm Your Budget

One of the most important parts of planning a bathroom remodel is making sure that you’ve got your budgeting right. Having a firm idea of how much you can spend will help you make smart decisions when it comes to your design and the materials you’ll use.

Once you back out the cost of labor, you’ll have a better sense of how much you can spend on things like fixtures, flooring, and any extras.

A good rule of thumb is to add at least an extra 10 to 15 percent on top of what you think the project is going to cost. This will help ensure that you’re financially prepared for any hiccups that might come up along the way.

Prepare Your Timeline

On average, it takes 23 days to complete a bathroom remodel. However, you’ll want to talk to your team to confirm their timeline. There are many different things that can impact this, from the complexity of your remodel to the time of year and how busy your contractor, plumber, and other team members are with other projects.

If it’s going to be a while, make sure you have a spare bathroom to use or that you can make other arrangements. You’ll also want to get your mindset right. Prepare yourself for dealing with the noise, mess, and other headaches that come along with a bathroom remodel.

Assemble Your Team

This is one of the most important parts of planning a bathroom remodel. Depending on the complexity of the project and your own DIY skills, you may or may not need a team of professionals.

Large projects will often require a contractor. At a minimum, you’ll probably want a good plumber to come in and check any work that you’ve done. If you require any electrical work, you’ll also want to make sure you find an electrician you can trust.

Sometimes, you can take care of all of this with one call. For example, Eco1Plumbing specializes in bathroom remodels and can handle the whole thing for you.

Finalize Your Design

You probably already have a good idea of what you want your new bathroom to look like. If not, now is the time to decide. It’s always a good idea to check out the latest bathroom trends for some inspiration.

Once you’ve got the design in mind, make sure you review it with your remodeling team. This will help you confirm that it’s actually realistic for your space, that it fits into your budget, and that you’re not likely to come across any unexpected surprises. After everything is confirmed, you’re ready to move forward with your bathroom remodel!

Start Planning your Bathroom Remodel Today!

Now that you know how to remodel a bathroom with ease, you’re ready to tackle that project you’ve been dreaming of. When it comes time to choose your team of professionals, we’ve got you covered!